Global Perspectives: The challenge of the Anthropocene with Professor Dipesh Chakrabarty FBA

What does it mean to be human in an age when our influence has become a geological force?

In this edition of Global Perspectives, historian Professor Dipesh Chakrabarty FBA, author of 'One Planet, Many Worlds: The Climate Parallax and The Climate of History in a Planetary Age', joins Professor Harriet Bulkeley FBA to examine the profound challenges of the Anthropocene, the current era defined by human impact on Earth. They will explore why understanding ourselves as part of, rather than separate from, the natural world has never been more urgent.

Drawing on Chakrabarty’s latest research, this discussion will explore deep global history, politics, geology, and philosophy. Together, they will consider how we might respond to the complex realities of a rapidly changing Earth.

This event is made possible due to generous support from the S T Lee Fund.

Speaker

Professor Dipesh Chakrabarty FBA

Professor Dipesh Chakrabarty is the Laurence A. Kimpton Distinguished Service Professor of History, South Asian Languages and Civilizations, and the College at the University of Chicago.

His research combines the social history of modern India with postcolonial historiography in works that influence the field at large. Currently, Chakrabarty is working on a book project on the implications of the science of climate change for historical and political thinking and is working on two long-term projects: one on democracy and political thought in South Asia and the other on a cultural history of Muslim-Bengali nationalism.

His awards include the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Indian Institute of Management, Toynbee Prize, and honorary doctorates from the University of London and University of Antwerp.

Chair

Professor Harriet Bulkeley FBA

Professor Harriet Bulkeley is a Professor and Deputy Executive Dean for Research in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health, Department of Geography, Durham University and Professor at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University.

She has published 8 books, several edited collections and over 80 papers. Her work includes 'An Urban Politics of Climate Change' (Routledge 2015) and 'Accomplishing Climate Governance' (CUP 2016).

She has been Principle Investigator for projects totalling over £19M and co-ordinates the Horizon Europe NATURESCAPES project (2023 – 2027) examining how nature-based solutions can contribute to transformative change for biodiversity, climate change and social justice across urban regions globally.

Further information

Free, booking required.

As tickets are free, people sometimes book and don't attend, so we have to issue more tickets than there are seats available to allow for this. Entry into this event is on a first-come, first-served basis and we recommend arriving in good time to avoid any disappointment.

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This event has live subtitles delivered by 121 Captions.

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Image credit: Alan Thomas